US20120000035A1 - Hinge apparatus for folder-type portable communication device - Google Patents
Hinge apparatus for folder-type portable communication device Download PDFInfo
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- US20120000035A1 US20120000035A1 US13/166,037 US201113166037A US2012000035A1 US 20120000035 A1 US20120000035 A1 US 20120000035A1 US 201113166037 A US201113166037 A US 201113166037A US 2012000035 A1 US2012000035 A1 US 2012000035A1
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- Prior art keywords
- hinge
- dummy
- coupling
- folder
- arm
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1675—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
- G06F1/1681—Details related solely to hinges
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0249—Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hinge apparatus in a folder portion of a folder-type portable communication device.
- portable communication devices refers to devices from which wireless communication can be performed, while the devices are being carried.
- the portable communication devices include embodiments such as a hand-held phone (HHP), a cordless telephone (CT-) 2 cellular phone, a digital phone, a personal communications systems (PCS) phone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) and can be sorted into various types according to their shapes.
- the wireless terminals are sorted into a bar type, a flip type, a folder type, and a sliding type according to their shapes.
- the above-mentioned portable terminals always include an antenna apparatus, a data input/output device, and a data transceiver.
- a keypad assembly allowing data input through a finger press task is generally used, and the use of touch displays are gaining popularity.
- a body portion and a folder portion are coupled by a hinge apparatus such that they can be opened at a predetermined opening/closing angle.
- buttons and a microphone device are mounted on the body portion of the conventional folder-type portable communication device, and a display unit and a speaker device are mounted on the folder portion.
- a center hinge arm is also installed in the body portion.
- a pair of side hinge arms which are coupled to the center hinge arm of the body portion to rotatably couple the folder portion to the body portion.
- a predetermined hinge apparatus is installed on the center hinge arm.
- the hinge apparatus is provided with a hinge shaft which is coupled to the folder portion and rotates.
- the conventional folder-type portable communication device is equipped with the hinge apparatus at a side of the center hinge arm of the body portion and a hinge coupling portion at the other side of the center hinge arm, such that the hinge coupling portion is coupled to the side hinge arm disposed at a side of the folder portion and in this state, the hinge shaft of the hinge apparatus is forcedly deformed by pressurization to be coupled to the side hinge arm at the other side of the folder portion, whereby much force is required for assembly and the body portion, the folder portion, and the hinge apparatus are deformed and damaged by pressurization.
- an aspect of the present invention is to provide a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device, in which a body portion and a folder portion can be coupled or separated by pushing a hinge cap or moving a hinge dummy to the left or right (i.e. according to a direction of lateral movement).
- the hinge apparatus according to the present invention advantageously prevents deformation and damage in coupling and separation in a product and thus improving assembly and disassembly of the product.
- a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device including a body portion and a folder portion coupled to the body portion to pivot around a hinge axis.
- the hinge apparatus includes a center hinge arm provided in the body portion, first and second side hinge arms provided in the folder portion, a hinge cap slidably arranged in the first side hinge arm so as to move relative to the hinge arm upon being pushed by an external force, a hinge portion provided in the center hinge arm, the hinge portion comprising a hinge shaft which is coupled with or separated from the first side hinge arm by retracting or protruding by a push of the hinge cap (i.e.
- a hinge dummy provided in the center hinge arm to be coupled with or separated from the second side hinge arm by moving to the left or right along the hinge axis
- a hinge bracket portion provided in the center hinge arm having a means for coupling and un coupling with the hinge dummy to allow the hinge dummy to move to the left or right (laterally) along the hinge axis.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first side hinge arm of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a center hinge arm of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a before-coupling state of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where a hinge portion and a hinge dummy are coupled to a center hinge arm in a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a coupling process of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing an after-coupling state of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing a separation process of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- a hinge apparatus 10 for a folder-type portable communication device may preferably include a body portion 20 , a folder portion 30 , first and second side hinge arms 31 and 32 , a hinge cap 50 , a hinge portion 60 , a hinge dummy 70 , and a hinge bracket portion 80 .
- the body portion 20 is provided with the hinge portion 60 , such that the body portion 20 is coupled with the first and second side hinge arms 31 and 32 to pivot around a hinge axis A 1 .
- the folder portion 30 is preferably provided with the first and side hinge arms 31 and 32 , such that the folder portion 30 is coupled with the hinge portion 60 to pivot around the hinge axis A 1 .
- the hinge cap 50 is provided in the first side hinge arm 31 to be pushed by an external force, and the hinge portion 60 preferably includes a hinge shaft 61 .
- the hinge portion 60 is preferably provided in a center hinge arm 21 , such that the hinge shaft 61 , when being pressed by a push of the hinge cap 50 , retracts or protrudes from the center hinge arm 21 to be coupled with or separated from a coupling hole 31 a formed in the first side hinge arm 31 .
- the hinge dummy 70 is provided in the center hinge arm 21 , such that the hinge dummy 70 moves to the left or right (laterally) along the hinge axis A 1 to be coupled with or separated from a coupling and separating groove 32 a ( FIGS.
- the hinge bracket portion 80 is provided in the center hinge arm 21 ( FIG. 6 ), such that the hinge bracket portion 80 is coupled with the hinge dummy 70 and allows the hinge dummy 70 to move to the left or right (permits lateral movement).
- the coupling hole 31 a which is coupled with the hinge cap 50 and allows the hinge cap 50 to be pushed by an external force
- the coupling and separating groove 32 a to be coupled with or separated from a coupling protrusion 71 formed on the hinge dummy 70 .
- a resting groove 21 a ( FIG. 4 ) for resting the hinge portion 60 therein
- a moving groove 21 b for allowing movement of the hinge dummy 70 therethrough.
- a blocking portion 21 c for blocking the body portion 20 from an external environment (e.g., a foreign substance or water).
- the hinge portion 60 is pressed such that the hinge shaft 61 retracts to or protrudes from an inner side of the hinge portion 60 .
- the coupling protrusion 71 which protrudes from the moving groove 21 b ( FIG. 4 ) of the center hinge arm 21 to be coupled with or separated from the coupling and separating groove 32 a of the second side hinge arm 32 ;
- an inclined portion 72 which is guide-coupled with a guide coupling portion 81 formed in the hinge bracket portion 80 and moves to the left or right to allow the coupling protrusion 71 to protrude.
- the hinge bracket portion 80 preferably includes the guide coupling portion 81 and a sealing portion 82 .
- the guide coupling portion 81 is inserted into an inserting groove 22 formed in the body portion 20 , is guide-coupled with the other end of the hinge dummy 70 , and allows the hinge dummy 70 to move to the left or right.
- the sealing portion 82 is formed in adjacent to the guide coupling portion 81 to seal the inserting groove 22 from an external environment.
- the sealing portion 82 is formed preferably of rubber and may also be formed of other materials than rubber, such as silicon, etc.
- a guide inclined surface 81 a which is guide-coupled with the inclined portion 72 and allows for movement of the hinge dummy 70 .
- the keypad apparatus 10 is applied to a portable communication device as a representative application example.
- the portable communication device is not limited to a mobile communication terminal and may be various types of terminals or other devices to which the keypad apparatus 10 is applicable, such as a bar-type terminal, a folder-type terminal, a sliding-type terminal, a swing-type terminal, and so forth.
- Examples of the portable communication device may include not only mobile communication terminals operating according to communication protocols corresponding to various communication systems, but also any information communication apparatuses and multimedia apparatuses such as Portable Multimedia Players (PMPs), MP3 players, navigations, game players, notebook computers, advertising boards, TVs, digital broadcasting players, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smart phones, waterproof phones, and so forth, and their application apparatuses, just to name a few examples in which the claimed invention can be applicable.
- PMPs Portable Multimedia Players
- MP3 players Portable Multimedia Players
- navigations Portable Multimedia Players
- game players Portable Multimedia Players
- notebook computers Portable Multimedia Players
- advertising boards Portable Multimedia Players
- TVs Portable Multimedia Players
- PDAs Personal Digital Assistants
- smart phones waterproof phones, and so forth
- FIGS. 1 through 8 a detailed description will now be made of an operating process of the above-described hinge apparatus 10 for the folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the hinge apparatus 10 for the folder-type portable communication device may preferably include the body portion 20 having the center hinge arm 21 , the folder portion 30 including the first and second side hinge arms 31 and 32 , the hinge cap 50 , the hinge portion 60 , the hinge dummy 70 , and the hinge bracket portion 80 .
- a waterproof phone will be described as a representative example of the folder-type portable communication device.
- the hinge portion 60 is rested (positioned) in the resting groove 21 a formed at a side of the center hinge arm 21 .
- the hinge shaft 61 of the hinge portion 60 is urged to protrude from the center hinge arm 21 .
- the hinge dummy 70 is movably coupled with the moving groove 21 b formed at the other side of the center hinge arm 21 .
- the coupling protrusion 71 of the hinge dummy 70 is coupled so as not to protrude from the hinge portion 60 .
- the hinge cap 50 is coupled to the coupling hole 31 a .
- the second side hinge arm 32 of the folder portion 30 corresponds to the hinge dummy 70 provided at the other side of the center hinge arm 21 .
- the hinge bracket portion 80 is inserted (arranged) into the inserting groove 22 of the body portion 20 , and the guide coupling portion 81 of the hinge bracket portion 80 is inserted into the inserting groove 22 and contacts the inclined portion 72 of the hinge dummy 70 .
- the guide inclined surface 81 a formed on the guide coupling portion 81 contacts and pushes the inclined portion 72 , such that the inclined portion 72 guide-moves from the left to the right along the hinge axis A 1 .
- the hinge dummy 70 As shown in FIG. 7 , as the inclined portion 72 guide-moves, the hinge dummy 70 also moves from the left to the right along the hinge axis A 1 and the coupling protrusion 71 of the hinge dummy 70 also moves. At this time, the coupling protrusion 71 of the hinge dummy 70 protrudes from the moving groove 21 b of the center hinge arm 21 and is coupled to the coupling and separating groove 32 a of the second side hinge arm 32 .
- the sealing portion 82 formed in the hinge bracket portion 80 is inserted into the inserting groove 22 and seals the inserting groove 22 .
- an internal region C 1 of the body portion 20 is sealed by the sealing portion 82 .
- the inserting groove 22 of the body portion 20 is sealed by the sealing portion 82 of the hinge bracket portion 80 , and the blocking portion 21 c preferably for blocking the body portion 20 from an external environment is formed between the resting groove 21 a and the moving groove 21 b of the center hinge arm 21 , such that any opening of the body portion 20 is sealed and thus the folder-type portable communication device can be used as a waterproof phone.
- first and second side hinge arms 31 and 32 of the folder portion 30 are separated from the center hinge arm 21 of the body portion 20 , such that the hinge shaft 61 protrudes again.
- the hinge portion 60 is provided with an elastic member (not shown) for allowing the hinge shaft 61 to retract to or protrude from the hinge portion 60 .
- the hinge shaft 61 retracts or protrudes by a push of (providing a force against) the hinge cap 50 , and the hinge dummy 70 moves to the left or right by coupling or separation of the hinge bracket portion 80 , thus coupling or separating the body portion 20 and the folder portion 30 , thereby preventing deformation and damage in coupling or separation in a product and thus improving in assembly and disassembly of the product.
- hinge apparatus for the folder-type portable communication device is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiment and drawings, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible in various types of terminals, such as bar-type terminals, sliding-type terminals, swing-type terminals, waterproof terminals, and so forth.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) from a Korean Patent Application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 1, 2010 and assigned Serial No. 10-2010-0063393, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hinge apparatus in a folder portion of a folder-type portable communication device.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Generally, “portable communication devices” refers to devices from which wireless communication can be performed, while the devices are being carried. The portable communication devices include embodiments such as a hand-held phone (HHP), a cordless telephone (CT-) 2 cellular phone, a digital phone, a personal communications systems (PCS) phone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) and can be sorted into various types according to their shapes. For example, the wireless terminals are sorted into a bar type, a flip type, a folder type, and a sliding type according to their shapes. The above-mentioned portable terminals always include an antenna apparatus, a data input/output device, and a data transceiver. For the data input device, a keypad assembly allowing data input through a finger press task is generally used, and the use of touch displays are gaining popularity.
- In a conventional folder-type portable communication device, a body portion and a folder portion are coupled by a hinge apparatus such that they can be opened at a predetermined opening/closing angle.
- Various key buttons and a microphone device are mounted on the body portion of the conventional folder-type portable communication device, and a display unit and a speaker device are mounted on the folder portion. A center hinge arm is also installed in the body portion.
- On a lower end portion of the folder portion are installed a pair of side hinge arms which are coupled to the center hinge arm of the body portion to rotatably couple the folder portion to the body portion. A predetermined hinge apparatus is installed on the center hinge arm.
- The hinge apparatus is provided with a hinge shaft which is coupled to the folder portion and rotates.
- However, the conventional folder-type portable communication device is equipped with the hinge apparatus at a side of the center hinge arm of the body portion and a hinge coupling portion at the other side of the center hinge arm, such that the hinge coupling portion is coupled to the side hinge arm disposed at a side of the folder portion and in this state, the hinge shaft of the hinge apparatus is forcedly deformed by pressurization to be coupled to the side hinge arm at the other side of the folder portion, whereby much force is required for assembly and the body portion, the folder portion, and the hinge apparatus are deformed and damaged by pressurization.
- Moreover, due to coupling based on pressurization and forced deformation, in the assembly and disassembly of the portable communication device, defects in the exterior of the portable communication device may occur and assembly workability of the portable communication device may be degraded.
- Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus capable of coupling and separating the body portion and the folder portion by pressurizing the hinge apparatus, without causing forced deformation and damage.
- Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device, in which a body portion and a folder portion can be coupled or separated by pushing a hinge cap or moving a hinge dummy to the left or right (i.e. according to a direction of lateral movement). The hinge apparatus according to the present invention advantageously prevents deformation and damage in coupling and separation in a product and thus improving assembly and disassembly of the product.
- According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device including a body portion and a folder portion coupled to the body portion to pivot around a hinge axis. The hinge apparatus includes a center hinge arm provided in the body portion, first and second side hinge arms provided in the folder portion, a hinge cap slidably arranged in the first side hinge arm so as to move relative to the hinge arm upon being pushed by an external force, a hinge portion provided in the center hinge arm, the hinge portion comprising a hinge shaft which is coupled with or separated from the first side hinge arm by retracting or protruding by a push of the hinge cap (i.e. by sliding movement of the hinge cap upon receipt of an external force), a hinge dummy provided in the center hinge arm to be coupled with or separated from the second side hinge arm by moving to the left or right along the hinge axis, and a hinge bracket portion provided in the center hinge arm having a means for coupling and un coupling with the hinge dummy to allow the hinge dummy to move to the left or right (laterally) along the hinge axis.
- The above and other exemplary features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first side hinge arm of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a center hinge arm of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a before-coupling state of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where a hinge portion and a hinge dummy are coupled to a center hinge arm in a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a coupling process of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing an after-coupling state of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing a separation process of a hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment disclosed in the specification and structures shown in the drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the present invention, and it should be understood by an artisan that numerous variations can be substituted for the exemplary embodiment are within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
- As shown in
FIGS. 1 through 8 , and particularly inFIG. 1 ahinge apparatus 10 for a folder-type portable communication device may preferably include abody portion 20, afolder portion 30, first and secondside hinge arms hinge cap 50, ahinge portion 60, ahinge dummy 70, and ahinge bracket portion 80. Still referring toFIG. 1 , thebody portion 20 is provided with thehinge portion 60, such that thebody portion 20 is coupled with the first and secondside hinge arms folder portion 30 is preferably provided with the first andside hinge arms folder portion 30 is coupled with thehinge portion 60 to pivot around the hinge axis A1. Thehinge cap 50 is provided in the firstside hinge arm 31 to be pushed by an external force, and thehinge portion 60 preferably includes ahinge shaft 61. Thehinge portion 60 is preferably provided in acenter hinge arm 21, such that thehinge shaft 61, when being pressed by a push of thehinge cap 50, retracts or protrudes from thecenter hinge arm 21 to be coupled with or separated from acoupling hole 31 a formed in the firstside hinge arm 31. Thehinge dummy 70 is provided in thecenter hinge arm 21, such that thehinge dummy 70 moves to the left or right (laterally) along the hinge axis A1 to be coupled with or separated from a coupling and separatinggroove 32 a (FIGS. 6 and 8 ) formed in the secondside hinge arm 32. Thehinge bracket portion 80 is provided in the center hinge arm 21 (FIG. 6 ), such that thehinge bracket portion 80 is coupled with thehinge dummy 70 and allows thehinge dummy 70 to move to the left or right (permits lateral movement). - As shown in
FIGS. 1 through 3 andFIGS. 6 through 8 , in the firstside hinge arm 31 is formed thecoupling hole 31 a which is coupled with thehinge cap 50 and allows thehinge cap 50 to be pushed by an external force, and in the secondside hinge arm 32 is formed the coupling and separatinggroove 32 a to be coupled with or separated from acoupling protrusion 71 formed on thehinge dummy 70. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 through 5 , at a side of thecenter hinge arm 21 is formed aresting groove 21 a (FIG. 4 ) for resting thehinge portion 60 therein, and at the other side of thecenter hinge arm 21 is formed a movinggroove 21 b for allowing movement of thehinge dummy 70 therethrough. Between theresting groove 21 a and the movinggroove 21 b is formed a blockingportion 21 c for blocking thebody portion 20 from an external environment (e.g., a foreign substance or water). - As shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , thehinge portion 60 is pressed such that thehinge shaft 61 retracts to or protrudes from an inner side of thehinge portion 60. - As shown in
FIGS. 6 through 8 , at an end of thehinge dummy 70 is formed thecoupling protrusion 71 which protrudes from the movinggroove 21 b (FIG. 4 ) of thecenter hinge arm 21 to be coupled with or separated from the coupling and separatinggroove 32 a of the secondside hinge arm 32; at the other end of thehinge dummy 70 is formed aninclined portion 72 which is guide-coupled with aguide coupling portion 81 formed in thehinge bracket portion 80 and moves to the left or right to allow thecoupling protrusion 71 to protrude. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 , 7, and 8, thehinge bracket portion 80 preferably includes theguide coupling portion 81 and asealing portion 82. Theguide coupling portion 81 is inserted into aninserting groove 22 formed in thebody portion 20, is guide-coupled with the other end of thehinge dummy 70, and allows thehinge dummy 70 to move to the left or right. The sealingportion 82 is formed in adjacent to theguide coupling portion 81 to seal theinserting groove 22 from an external environment. - As shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , the sealingportion 82 is formed preferably of rubber and may also be formed of other materials than rubber, such as silicon, etc. - As shown in
FIGS. 6 through 8 , in theguide coupling portion 81 is formed a guideinclined surface 81 a which is guide-coupled with theinclined portion 72 and allows for movement of thehinge dummy 70. - Meanwhile, it has been described that the
keypad apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied to a portable communication device as a representative application example. However, the portable communication device is not limited to a mobile communication terminal and may be various types of terminals or other devices to which thekeypad apparatus 10 is applicable, such as a bar-type terminal, a folder-type terminal, a sliding-type terminal, a swing-type terminal, and so forth. - Examples of the portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include not only mobile communication terminals operating according to communication protocols corresponding to various communication systems, but also any information communication apparatuses and multimedia apparatuses such as Portable Multimedia Players (PMPs), MP3 players, navigations, game players, notebook computers, advertising boards, TVs, digital broadcasting players, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smart phones, waterproof phones, and so forth, and their application apparatuses, just to name a few examples in which the claimed invention can be applicable.
- With reference to
FIGS. 1 through 8 , a detailed description will now be made of an operating process of the above-describedhinge apparatus 10 for the folder-type portable communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 through 8 , thehinge apparatus 10 for the folder-type portable communication device may preferably include thebody portion 20 having thecenter hinge arm 21, thefolder portion 30 including the first and secondside hinge arms hinge cap 50, thehinge portion 60, thehinge dummy 70, and thehinge bracket portion 80. - Herein, a waterproof phone will be described as a representative example of the folder-type portable communication device.
- As shown in
FIGS. 1 through 5 , thehinge portion 60 is rested (positioned) in theresting groove 21 a formed at a side of thecenter hinge arm 21. At this time, thehinge shaft 61 of thehinge portion 60 is urged to protrude from thecenter hinge arm 21. In this protruding state, thehinge dummy 70 is movably coupled with the movinggroove 21 b formed at the other side of thecenter hinge arm 21. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thecoupling protrusion 71 of thehinge dummy 70 is coupled so as not to protrude from thehinge portion 60. - In this non-protruding state, as shown in
FIGS. 5 through 7 , when thefolder portion 30 is coupled to thebody portion 20 to pivot around the hinge axis A1, thehinge shaft 61 is urged to retract to the inner side of thehinge portion 60, and in this state, the firstside hinge arm 31 of thefolder portion 30 is coupled with thehinge shaft 61. - At this time, as shown in
FIG. 5 , when thecoupling hole 31 a of the firstside hinge arm 31 and thehinge shaft 61 correspond to each other, thehinge shaft 61 protrudes from thehinge portion 60 and thus is coupled with thecoupling hole 31 a. - In this state, as shown in
FIG. 6 , thehinge cap 50 is coupled to thecoupling hole 31 a. At this time, the secondside hinge arm 32 of thefolder portion 30 corresponds to thehinge dummy 70 provided at the other side of thecenter hinge arm 21. - As shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thehinge bracket portion 80 is inserted (arranged) into the insertinggroove 22 of thebody portion 20, and theguide coupling portion 81 of thehinge bracket portion 80 is inserted into the insertinggroove 22 and contacts theinclined portion 72 of thehinge dummy 70. - At this time, as shown in
FIG. 7 , the guide inclinedsurface 81 a formed on theguide coupling portion 81 contacts and pushes theinclined portion 72, such that theinclined portion 72 guide-moves from the left to the right along the hinge axis A1. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , as theinclined portion 72 guide-moves, thehinge dummy 70 also moves from the left to the right along the hinge axis A1 and thecoupling protrusion 71 of thehinge dummy 70 also moves. At this time, thecoupling protrusion 71 of thehinge dummy 70 protrudes from the movinggroove 21 b of thecenter hinge arm 21 and is coupled to the coupling and separatinggroove 32 a of the secondside hinge arm 32. - Herein, the sealing
portion 82 formed in thehinge bracket portion 80 is inserted into the insertinggroove 22 and seals the insertinggroove 22. Thus, an internal region C1 of thebody portion 20 is sealed by the sealingportion 82. - The inserting
groove 22 of thebody portion 20 is sealed by the sealingportion 82 of thehinge bracket portion 80, and the blockingportion 21 c preferably for blocking thebody portion 20 from an external environment is formed between the restinggroove 21 a and the movinggroove 21 b of thecenter hinge arm 21, such that any opening of thebody portion 20 is sealed and thus the folder-type portable communication device can be used as a waterproof phone. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , in order to separate thefolder portion 30 from thebody portion 20, when thehinge cap 50 provided in thecoupling hole 31 a of the firstside hinge arm 31 is pushed to the inner side of thecoupling hole 31 a by an external force, thehinge shaft 61 is pressed together with thehinge cap 50 and thus retracts into thehinge portion 60. - In the state as shown in
FIG. 8 , when thehinge bracket portion 80 is separated from the insertinggroove 22, thehinge dummy 70 moves from the right to the left (laterally) along the hinge axis A1 and thus thecoupling protrusion 71 of thehinge dummy 70 also moves, such that thecoupling protrusion 71 is separated from the coupling and separatinggroove 32 a of thesecond hinge arm 32. - At this time, the first and second side hinge
arms folder portion 30 are separated from thecenter hinge arm 21 of thebody portion 20, such that thehinge shaft 61 protrudes again. - Herein, the
hinge portion 60 is provided with an elastic member (not shown) for allowing thehinge shaft 61 to retract to or protrude from thehinge portion 60. - As such, the
hinge shaft 61 retracts or protrudes by a push of (providing a force against) thehinge cap 50, and thehinge dummy 70 moves to the left or right by coupling or separation of thehinge bracket portion 80, thus coupling or separating thebody portion 20 and thefolder portion 30, thereby preventing deformation and damage in coupling or separation in a product and thus improving in assembly and disassembly of the product. - The above-described hinge apparatus for the folder-type portable communication device according to the presently claimed invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiment and drawings, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible in various types of terminals, such as bar-type terminals, sliding-type terminals, swing-type terminals, waterproof terminals, and so forth.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2010-0063393 | 2010-07-01 | ||
KR1020100063393A KR101676880B1 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2010-07-01 | Hinge apparatus for folder-type portable communication device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120000035A1 true US20120000035A1 (en) | 2012-01-05 |
US8522399B2 US8522399B2 (en) | 2013-09-03 |
Family
ID=45059197
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/166,037 Expired - Fee Related US8522399B2 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2011-06-22 | Hinge apparatus for folder-type portable communication device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8522399B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5779015B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101676880B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN202065334U (en) |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2546590A (en) * | 1947-10-10 | 1951-03-27 | Clyde B Ferrel | Hinge structure |
US3375546A (en) * | 1966-04-07 | 1968-04-02 | Hager & Sons Hinge Mfg Company | Hinge |
US4603452A (en) * | 1985-01-22 | 1986-08-05 | General Dynamics Corporation | Detachable hinge with conveniently releasable hinge flaps |
US4807330A (en) * | 1982-04-26 | 1989-02-28 | Abra, Inc. | Pivot hinge |
US5697124A (en) * | 1995-09-19 | 1997-12-16 | Sam Sung Electronics Co., Ltd | Hinge mechanism for foldable electronic apparatus |
US5796576A (en) * | 1995-10-04 | 1998-08-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Notebook computer having a hinge device enabling a display unit to be separable from a main body |
US5881150A (en) * | 1996-08-29 | 1999-03-09 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Hinge mechanism having a sound guide |
US20080216287A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Hinge Boot and Method of Assembling Hinge Mechanisms |
US20110154611A1 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2011-06-30 | Inventec Appliances Corp. | Rotating Shaft Fastener Structure |
US8359709B2 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2013-01-29 | Van Gennep Jan | Locking hinge assembly |
US8381357B2 (en) * | 2006-11-23 | 2013-02-26 | Steinbach & Vollmann Gmbh & Co. Kg | Door hinge, in particular edge hinge |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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KR20020078620A (en) * | 2001-04-06 | 2002-10-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A mobile phone |
JP2003188554A (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2003-07-04 | Kato Electrical Mach Co Ltd | Hinge for electronic equipment and electronic equipment using the same |
JP3693954B2 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2005-09-14 | 株式会社ストロベリーコーポレーション | HINGE DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING HINGE DEVICE |
KR100483608B1 (en) | 2002-10-31 | 2005-04-15 | 삼성전기주식회사 | Hinge Device for Folder Type Cellular Phone |
KR20060010523A (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2006-02-02 | 주식회사 팬택 | Folder type mobile communication terminal having hinge module being easily assembled |
KR20060037923A (en) * | 2004-10-29 | 2006-05-03 | 주식회사 팬택 | Folder type mobile communication terminal |
KR200396212Y1 (en) * | 2005-06-25 | 2005-09-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Hinge apparatus for mobile communication terminal |
JP2009275830A (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2009-11-26 | Nec Saitama Ltd | Information processor |
-
2010
- 2010-07-01 KR KR1020100063393A patent/KR101676880B1/en active IP Right Grant
-
2011
- 2011-04-27 CN CN2011201358133U patent/CN202065334U/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2011-06-22 US US13/166,037 patent/US8522399B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-07-01 JP JP2011147233A patent/JP5779015B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2546590A (en) * | 1947-10-10 | 1951-03-27 | Clyde B Ferrel | Hinge structure |
US3375546A (en) * | 1966-04-07 | 1968-04-02 | Hager & Sons Hinge Mfg Company | Hinge |
US4807330A (en) * | 1982-04-26 | 1989-02-28 | Abra, Inc. | Pivot hinge |
US4603452A (en) * | 1985-01-22 | 1986-08-05 | General Dynamics Corporation | Detachable hinge with conveniently releasable hinge flaps |
US5697124A (en) * | 1995-09-19 | 1997-12-16 | Sam Sung Electronics Co., Ltd | Hinge mechanism for foldable electronic apparatus |
US5796576A (en) * | 1995-10-04 | 1998-08-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Notebook computer having a hinge device enabling a display unit to be separable from a main body |
US5881150A (en) * | 1996-08-29 | 1999-03-09 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Hinge mechanism having a sound guide |
US8381357B2 (en) * | 2006-11-23 | 2013-02-26 | Steinbach & Vollmann Gmbh & Co. Kg | Door hinge, in particular edge hinge |
US20080216287A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Hinge Boot and Method of Assembling Hinge Mechanisms |
US8359709B2 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2013-01-29 | Van Gennep Jan | Locking hinge assembly |
US20110154611A1 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2011-06-30 | Inventec Appliances Corp. | Rotating Shaft Fastener Structure |
US8272102B2 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2012-09-25 | Inventec Appliances Corp. | Rotating shaft fastener structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP5779015B2 (en) | 2015-09-16 |
CN202065334U (en) | 2011-12-07 |
US8522399B2 (en) | 2013-09-03 |
KR20120002730A (en) | 2012-01-09 |
KR101676880B1 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
JP2012013229A (en) | 2012-01-19 |
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